New for this year will be “Mom-tastic’’ activities presented by Children’s Hospital and Touro Infirmary. Thomas also will lead a “lemonade toast’’ for all mothers sponsored by Raising Cane’s.

“Touro and Children’s Hospital are pleased to partner with Audubon Zoo to present the annual Mother’s Day celebration and concert,’’ said Touro Infirmary President and CEO Susan E. Andrews. “As a leader in women’s healthcare through life’s many stages, Touro is excited to celebrate New Orleans mothers on this very special day.’’

John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital added, “This event is a great way to encourage families to spend more time having fun together. As the health experts for kids, we at Children’s Hospital are proud to celebrate moms in such a fun and festive way.’’

Before New Orleans’ beloved Queen of Soul belts out her first song, live music begins at 12:30 p.m. on the Capital One Stage with a performance by high-energy dance band BRW. Thomas and her band, The Professionals, will perform everyone's old favorites and new hits from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Guests looking for a Mother's Day gift can shop for jewelry at craft tents.

Families heading down to Audubon Zoo for Thomas’ traditional performance on the Capital One Stage will once again have a special dining option: a Mother’s Day brunch buffet in the Audubon Tea Room that will be served in two sessions - 10:00 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu will include complimentary “Mom-mosas’’ or Bloody Marys for each mother.

Tickets to the Tea Room brunch buffet are $55 per person and $30 for children (5 to 12). There will be a discount for Audubon members - $5 for adults and $3 for children (5 to 12); kids under 5 receive a complimentary brunch buffet. Credit cards are required for reservations. For more information and reservations call 504.212.5230 or click here. Reservations will not be refunded if canceled.

In addition to the Tea Room buffet, there will be food items on the Capital One field for purchase, including seafood tacos, fettucine pasta with shrimp and other plate lunches, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken strips. No outside food, beverage or tents are allowed at Audubon Zoo for special events and festivals. Portable chairs and blankets are welcomed.

The Mother's Day Celebration at Audubon Zoo always draws big crowds, so non-members are urged to buy tickets online ahead of time. Guests with advance tickets can skip the long lines. Complimentary admission tickets for moms will be available at the Zoo’s front gate.